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February 21, 2011

The other night we had an Earthquake! It was kind of scary but not terribly so. Alhamdulillah it wasn't too strong. Nothing got knocked over or broken or anything. It was a 4.9 on the Richter scale.

I was lying in bed, awake. I couldn't sleep. All of a sudden the bed started to shake. It lasted about 2-3 seconds. I know this because that's the amount of time it takes to say Bismillah Alrahman Alraheem 2 times which is just what I did. Several thoughts went through my head. This is an earthquake. The building is falling. The kids are going to wake up scared. I'm going mad. Thankfully only the first thought was true. The kids slept through it. After it was over, I started to doubt myself. Did that just happen? I looked up earthquake sites and got nothing. I called my husband in Poland on business and he was like "Are you sure?" Maybe a big truck drove by" Lol, I'm like the bed was shaking! I couldn't fall asleep, then I thought Twitter! I searched there and found that some other people felt it too. Ahh, not crazy. Good!

In the morning I spoke to friends and my mom and some people felt it while others slept through. I've never felt an earthquake before and it turns out there was an after shock later that morning but I was in a deep sleep and had no clue. Can't say I want to experience one again or anything and it's odd but it was scary but an interesting experience.

February 18, 2011

Today, while out at a cafe on the promenade with my friend, we noticed some people organizing near by and they had paint cans and drop cloths. I was so proud I almost cried. I was just there last night saying someone should do something about all the graffiti on the wall. They were about 15-25 and more and more were coming. I asked about their organization and found out they have an event page on Facebook .

They were painting over all the vandalism on the wall, repainting the yellow and black stripes on the curb and cleaning up trash. Zayneb wanted to help out and painted some curbs. She ruined her favorite jeans and doesn't even care. She felt so proud of herself and to be a part of something like this. I joined the event on FB and encourage anyone else in Hurghada to do so as well.

I thought about what I said the other night, that "someone" should do something about the graffiti. Instead of just saying it, these people actually took action. They organized a group and did something themselves. They are the hope and change I see in this country. My friend and I felt really bad just sitting there and not helping, all we could do is buy them some cold drinks. I will definitely be taking part in the projects to come.

February 16, 2011

Scooby Doo was my favorite cartoon as a kid. I loved the spooky stories and the Mystery Inc. gang but Scooby has always been my favorite, of course.

Even though now when I see an episode on Boomerang, it's sooo predictable, it's still fun to watch. I'm pretty sure that Shaggy was a pot head. That's why he was always hungry. Scooby too. "Scooby snacks" were actually filled with hash, I believe. He could swallow a 6 foot hoagie, whole. And he'd do anything for a Scooby snack. I dislike the abomination that is Scrappy Do, however! The other characters were boring. Fred obviously had a thing for Daphne, they always "split up" with each other to solve the mystery. Velma needed a make over episode but she was the smartest one.

Recently we found Kraft Mac n Cheese on sale. It's usually 12le a box and we don't usually buy a lot of expensive imported foods, as much as I miss stuff from the US. Spinney's had them on sale, 2 boxes for 5.99 cause the sell by date was nearing. So we got some, and much to my delight, it was Scooby Doo Mac and Cheese!

Like, Zoinks!

I love the shapes. We have Scooby of course, Shaggy, a bone, Scoobs' dog tag, The Mystery machine, A groovy flower and spooky eyes.

But, ruh-roh! After cooking, they're unrecognizable. No one cares that it's artificial, and day glow orange, it's yummy.

February 14, 2011

Today there was a really great event here in Hurghada to promote the Red Sea destination and let the world know that Egypt is safe. Tourism is really, really down these days because of recent events. Just last night driving through the city that is usually alive and full of tourists, it felt like a ghost town. I half expected a tumbleweed to roll across the street, but the turn out to today's event was big and gave us all faith that tourism in Hurghada and all of Egypt will be back soon and better than ever.

It was really fun and exciting to see everyone wearing I heart Egypt t-shirts and cheering for the country's recent victory. There was also a moment of silence to honor the martyrs of the revolution.

February 11, 2011

Happiness is not enough to describe the feeling here in Egypt tonight. It's pure joy! Mubarak has resigned and the people have been heard. The people who died did not die in vain. The protests are not useless as some have said. Alhamdulillah. It's not too much to ask when people are protesting peacefully for their rights. Basic human rights, freedom, and democracy.

It's a new day, Egypt. She belongs to all of us and we have to take care of it. It will take time but I believe this is the first step to a better Egypt.

February 6, 2011

For most people, it means "Peace". I always thought it was the only meaning for this hand sign, well, besides two.

Recently, when seeing it being flashed all over the protests in Cairo and all over Egypt, I learned that here and a lot of the Middle East it means V for victory. I suppose that carries a whole other meaning. Most people seeing it from the west think it's the peace sign.

February 5, 2011

I keep thinking I want to post about my feeling on the current situation in Egypt, but I can't seem to wrap my head around it. I can't put it in to words, cohesive ones anyway. I am hoping for a real change in Egypt and that a lot of good will come of all of this. Already people are having a lot more pride in Egypt and in being Egyptian. It's a new found sense of patriotism. This video here is really good.

In an effort to take a break from the news and get our minds and the kids minds off of things, with several days of staying home and no internet, and to lighten the mood, here are some of the things we've been doing.

Salwa's Birthday came and went, we had planned to go bowling but we stayed in and baked a cake for us and friends.

Safiyah building a block house.

Hot cocoa is comfort food, er...drink.

Jenga!

This doll had a bad case of the frizz so I decided to braid all her hair.

I sealed the ends off with a lighter and she's looking cute.

When E got back from his trip and we were assured that it was fine, we went out to eat. I thought this photo was appropriate.

February 2, 2011

I want to say that I was touched by all of your concern. It's heartwarming to know people care. Just a quick post to update on us.

Things here in Hurgahada have been pretty calm compared to Cairo and other bigger cities. After I posted that I couldn't get FB and Twitter, a little while later, no internet. It really felt oppressive to have that taken away. Egyptian news channels seem to have been playing things down in my opinion, and I was watching AlJazeera and CNN then AlJazeera channels were blocked. CNN was good but they weren't covering all the time. Al Jazeera international is good now though. E was in Poland on business and came home when things came to a head. When there were reports of looters and a local supermarket got broken into and looted all the men of the building walked the street carrying sticks, poles and 2x4s to patrol the area.
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We tried to keep busy playing board games but the younger 2 kids were scared at times, and started to obsess about the reports, I had to change channels to lighten the mood. Finally yesterday we went out and saw that the city, while pretty empty was safe. Tourism is down the toilet but that's to be expected. There's so much more I can see online now about it all.

I knew Mubarak wouldn't step down this way, he's going to take his time and go in Sept but I think that's better than nothing. The protesters don't want to give up but I think this is a huge step. People are feeling a new sense of pride in their country, that's the real gain here.